Mazi Melesa Pilip | |
---|---|
Member of the Nassau County Legislature from the 10th district | |
Assumed office January 1, 2022 | |
Preceded by | Ellen Birnbaum |
Personal details | |
Born | 1978 or 1979 (age 44–45) Ethiopia |
Citizenship | United States Israel |
Political party | Republican (before 2012) Democratic (2012–present) |
Other political affiliations | Republican Caucus (2022–present)[lower-alpha 1] |
Children | 7 |
Education | University of Haifa (BA) Tel Aviv University (MA) |
Website | County website Campaign website |
Military career | |
Allegiance | ![]() |
Service/ | Israel Defense Forces |
Unit | Paratroopers Brigade |
Mazi Melesa Pilip (born 1978 or 1979)[2] is an Israeli-American politician serving in New York's Nassau County Legislature. She represents Nassau County, Long Island's 10th district as a Republican. She is an Ethiopian Jew, and was born in Ethiopia. She immigrated to Israel when she was 12 years old, and later served in the Israel Defense Force's Paratroopers Brigade as a gunsmith. Pilip studied at the University of Haifa, where she earned a bachelor's degree in occupational therapy, and also at Tel Aviv University, where she earned a masters degree in diplomacy and security.
In 2021 and again in 2023, Pilip was elected to the Nassau County Legislature. She has been a registered Democrat since 2012, but ran for the legislature on the Republican ballot line.[3] She is the Republican nominee for the United States House of Representatives New York 3rd congressional district special election in February 2024 for the seat vacated by George Santos.[4]
Early and personal life
Pilip was born in extreme poverty in a small remote village in rural Ethiopia that did not have electricity or running water, and is an Ethiopian Jew.[5][6][7][8][9] She immigrated to Israel in 1991 as a refugee when she was 12 years old, along with her family, as part of Operation Solomon.[10][9] The operation was an Israeli military operation that covertly airlifted over 14,000 Ethiopian Jews to Israel in a day and a half.[9][8] She has three sisters, all of whom live in Israel, and one of whom is a detective.[11][12]
Upon turning 18 years of age, she served in the Israel Defense Force's Paratroopers Brigade (Tzanchanim) as a gunsmith.[7][9][13] After her service in the army, Pilip studied at the University of Haifa, where she was chairwoman of the Ethiopian Student Union for two years, and earned a bachelor's degree in occupational therapy.[7][11][8][10] She also studied at Tel Aviv University, earning a masters degree in diplomacy and security.[7][11][8][10]
While at the University of Haifa she met her future husband, Adalbert Pilip, who had been born in Ukraine.[5] He was an American-Ukrainian-Jewish medical student from a family of Holocaust survivors who had come from the United States to Haifa to study medicine at the Technion, later becoming a cardiologist.[8][9][10]
After she and her husband married, they moved to the United States in 2005, ultimately settling in Great Neck, New York.[9][8][5] She is an Orthodox Jew, has been vice president of her synagogue (Kol Yisrael Achim), and has been active in trying to revitalize Great Neck and in speaking about Israel for Jewish groups.[10] She and her husband have seven children.[10][14]
Political career
Nassau County Legislature
In November 2021, Pilip was elected to New York's Nassau County Legislature as a Republican legislator for Nassau County, Long Island's 10th district, flipping it by defeating four-term incumbent Democrat Ellen Birnbaum by seven percentage points.[15][2][8][9][16] The district covers Manhasset, Manhasset Hills, North Hills, Searingtown, Herricks, and the nine villages on the Great Neck peninsula, and is just east of New York City.[17][18] She gave birth to twin daughters weeks before the election.[10]
Pilip campaigned on reviving Great Neck's downtown, and acting as a bridge among the many minority communities in the district.[10][18][19] She became the first-ever Republican from Great Neck to be elected a Nassau County Legislator.[20][21] Her priorities have also included public safety, helping businesses that struggled during the COVID-19 pandemic, and fighting antisemitism.[22][8][10] She is chairwoman of the Nassau County Legislature Towns, Villages & Cities Committee, and vice chairwoman of its Health & Social Services Committee.[23]
In November 2023, she won a second term as Nassau County legislator representing District 10 as a Republican (endorsed by the Conservative Party), defeating Democratic challenger Weihua Yan by a margin of 60% to 40%.[24][25] She had been endorsed by the New York League of Conservation Voters, which cited her driving legislation transferring county land to the Great Neck Park District, approving funding for a streets initiative and water quality protection, and supporting efforts to protect the county's sole source aquifer.[26] Conservative donor and former US Ambassador to Austria Ronald Lauder was her biggest single donor during her race.[27] She dedicated her win to Israel.[25]
Congressional campaign
As early as January 2023, Pilip was being considered for a position that might become vacant in the United States Congress.[9] George Santos had been elected in 2022 to represent New York's 3rd congressional district in the 118th United States Congress.[9] However, subsequently it was revealed that Santos had lied about his education, his career, his charitable work, being of Jewish descent, and having grandparents who survived the Holocaust.[9] In January 2023, Politico reporter Olivia Beavers wrote that Pilip was one of two Republicans whom the Nassau County Republican Party was considering recruiting if Santos were to resign.[9][10] The Nassau County legislative district Pilip represented was part of the district she would represent if she were elected to Congress.[28]
On December 14, 2023, a panel of Republicans from Queens and Nassau Counties selected Pilip as the Republican nominee in the special election on February 13, 2024 to succeed Santos after his expulsion following his indictment on criminal fraud charges.[29][30][31][32][4][33][34] The panel chose her after considering more than 20 candidates.[35][36]
Pilip will run against the Democratic nominee, former Representative Tom Suozzi.[37][38] Pilip is also a registered Democrat, though she holds office as a Republican and has traditional Republican positions on issues such as taxes and public safety.[1] Pilip has agreed to one debate on February 8, after early voting has started, but her opponent's campaign has criticized her for not agreeing to more.[39][40]
The winner of the special election will serve out the remainder of Santos' original two-year term in the House, which expires at the end of 2024.[41] The Huffington Post reported that: "If elected, Pilip would join the House's growing number of Black Republicans (there are currently four). But she would be the only Black Republican woman in the current Congress, and almost certainly the first Black Jew ever to serve on Capitol Hill."[15]
Political positions
Abortion
Pilip is anti-abortion but has said that she would not support a national abortion ban.[42][43][44] Democrats have noted that she accepted the support of the Conservative Party of New York State which has an "extreme platform to ban abortion".[42]
Antisemitism
Pilip has spoken out against antisemitism in the United States, and in particular antisemitism on American college campuses.[45][46][47]
Crime
Pilip has made combatting rising crime rates and improving public safety a key focus of her platform and cites it as a motivator for her campaign.[5][48]
Israel
Support for Israel is viewed as a key issue in New York's 3rd congressional district, with both candidates underlining their support. Pilip is a former gunsmith who served in the Paratroopers Brigade of the IDF, and is a staunch supporter of Israel and its military actions.[49] She vocally supported Israel's response to the October 7 Hamas terrorist attack on Israel, stating that Israel had an "obligation" to protect its civilians from terrorists.[50]
Taxes
Pilip is in favor of taxes being low, and views taxes as one of the main issues for the district.[51][52][53]
Donald Trump
Regarding the multiple indictments facing Donald Trump, Pilip has said "Trump has to go through his process" and "Nobody's above the law." Pilip has said she will support whichever Republican nominee is selected in the 2024 presidential election.[54][55]
Ukraine
Pilip is in favor of continued U.S. support for Ukraine, which she strongly supports.[56][57]
Notes
References
- 1 2 Bobby Cuza (December 14, 2023). "GOP nominates Nassau legislator Mazi Pilip to run for Santos' seat". NY1.
- 1 2 Ferrette, Candice (November 3, 2021). "GOP maintains control, gains a seat on the Nassau legislature". Newsday.
- ↑ Beeferman, Jason; Coltin, Jeff; Reisman, Nick; Ngo, Emily (December 6, 2023). "A problem with a possible Santos successor". POLITICO. Retrieved December 9, 2023.
- 1 2 Fandos, Nicholas (December 14, 2023). "Republicans Tap Israeli Military Veteran to Run for Santos's Seat". The New York Times.
- 1 2 3 4 Kassel, Matthew (December 19, 2023). "Mazi Melesa Pilip discusses her policy platform in pivotal special election". Jewish Insider.
- ↑ Laura Nahmias and Christian Hall (December 14, 2023). "In Race to Replace George Santos, NY GOP Taps Ethiopia-Born IDF Vet". Bloomberg.
- 1 2 3 4 Kylie Ora Lobell (January 29, 2023). "From an Ethiopian Village to the NY Legislature". Aish.
- 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 Kornbluh, Jacob (November 29, 2021). "This one-time refugee and former Israeli paratrooper just won a seat in her county legislature". The Forward.
- 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 Margulies, Joanie (January 22, 2023). "Will George Santos be replaced by an Ethiopian-Jewish legislator?". The Jerusalem Post.
- 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 Kampeas, Ron (January 19, 2023). "Meet the real Jewish Republican of color being floated to replace George Santos, the fake one". JTA.
- 1 2 3 Schwamm, Susan (January 6, 2022). "From Ethiopia to the IDF to the Nassau County Legislature; TJH Speaks with Leg. Mazi Melesa Pilip". Five Towns Jewish Home.
- ↑ Shivonne, Adeja (December 14, 2023). "New York GOP selects Mazi Pilip as nominee to fill George Santos seat". FOX 5 NY.
- ↑ "New York Republicans choose ex-Israel Defense Forces soldier as nominee to replace George Santos". NBC News. December 19, 2023.
- ↑ Houghtaling, Ellie Quinlan (December 14, 2023). "Republicans Have a Replacement for George Santos—and She's a Doozy". The New Republic. ISSN 2169-2416. Retrieved December 15, 2023.
- 1 2 Daniel Marans (December 14, 2023). "Republicans Nominate Mazi Melesa Pilip To Succeed George Santos; Pilip, an Ethiopian-Israeli immigrant to the U.S., flipped a Democratic-held seat in the Nassau County, New York, legislature". The Huffington Post.
- ↑ Bolger, Timothy (December 6, 2021). "Red Wave Brings Political Sea Change on Long Island". Long Island Press.
- ↑ Makini Brice (December 14, 2023). "N.Y. Republicans pick Pilip to seek George Santos' former seat in Congress," Reuters.
- 1 2 Pelaez, Robert (November 23, 2021). "Mazi Pilip says she wants to help revitalize downtowns, combat hate in 10th Legislative District". The Island Now.
- ↑ "Legislator Pilip's Advocacy Helped Save Express Trains in Great Neck". Great Neck Record. October 12, 2022.
- ↑ Sheeline, Will (December 14, 2023). "Republicans select Mazi Melesa Pilip as candidate for 3rd Congressional District". Long Island Herald; Glen Head.
- ↑ O’Neill, Chris (November 8, 2021). "Republicans Sweep in Historic Election Wins". The North Shore Leader.
- ↑ "Nassau County Legislator Pilip Honors Detectives Who Busted Catalytic Converter Ring". Great Neck Record. January 11, 2023.
- ↑ "District 10 - Mazi Melesa Pilip | Nassau County, NY - Official Website". Nassau County New York.
- ↑ Oakes, Cameryn (October 31, 2023). "Legislator Pilip advocates for continued collaboration with constituents in re-election bid - Featured".
- 1 2 Brandon Duffy, Cameryn Oakes, Karina Kovac (November 8, 2023). "Nassau Republicans maintain 12-7 control of the county Legislature - Featured".
{{cite web}}
: CS1 maint: multiple names: authors list (link) - ↑ "Mazi Melesa Pilip". New York League of Conservation Voters.
- ↑ Austin C. Jefferson (December 14, 2023). "5 things to know about Mazi Pilip". City & State NY.
- ↑ Makini Brice (December 14, 2023). "N.Y. Republicans Pick Pilip to Seek George Santos' Former Seat in Congress," U.S. News & World Report.
- ↑ Prater, Nia (December 19, 2023). "Who Is Mazi Melesa Pilip, Republicans' George Santos Replacement?". Intelligencer.
- ↑ Dan Rivoli (December 15, 2023). "Republicans introduce Mazi Pilip in race to succeed George Santos". ny1.com.
- ↑ Kassel, Matthew (December 14, 2023). "Long Island GOP taps Mazi Melesa Pilip for special election". Jewish Insider.
- ↑ Prater, Nia (December 14, 2023). "Who Is Mazi Melesa Pilip, Republicans' George Santos Replacement?". New York Magazine.
- ↑ Ngo, Emily (December 14, 2023). "New York Republicans pick Mazi Melesa Pilip to succeed George Santos; Pilip, a Nassau County legislator and Israeli military veteran, was among 20 candidates interviewed by party leaders". POLITICO.
- ↑ Bridget Bowman (December 14, 2023). "New York Republicans choose ex-Israel Defense Forces soldier as nominee to replace George Santos". NBC News.
- ↑ "GOP expected to nominate former IDF soldier to fill George Santos' vacated House seat: officials". ABC7 New York. December 14, 2023.
- ↑ LaRocco, Paul (December 15, 2023). "GOP picks Mazi Melesa Pilip to run in special election to replace ousted George Santos". Newsday.
- ↑ Ellie Quinlan Houghtaling (November 1, 2022). "Republicans Have a Replacement for George Santos—and She's a Doozy". The New Republic.
- ↑ Sudiksha Kochi (December 14, 2023). "New York GOP choose former Israel Defense Forces soldier as candidate to replace George Santos". USA TODAY.
- ↑ Malaszczyk, Michael (December 28, 2023). "Tom Suozzi, Mazi Pilip Set For Feb. 8 Debate". www.longislandpress.com.
- ↑ Eidler, Scott (January 5, 2024). "Tom Suozzi says Mazi Melesa Pilip is dodging debates in 3rd District special election".
- ↑ Dave Goldiner (December 14, 2023). "Republicans pick trailblazing Democratic Israeli immigrant to run for Rep. George Santos seat". The New York Daily News.
- 1 2 Picket, Kerry (December 19, 2023). "New York GOP-backed candidate for Santos seat says she won't back abortion ban". The Washington Times. Retrieved December 20, 2023.
- ↑ Coltin, Jeff; Ngo, Emily; Reisman, Nick (December 20, 2023). "Life imitates New York political art". POLITICO.
- ↑ Duffy, Brandon (January 3, 2024). "Suozzi presses Pilip for more debates ahead of special election - Featured".
- ↑ Rebecca Greenberg (October 26, 2023). "Columbia University students hold pro-Israel, pro-Palestine rallies". ny1.com.
- ↑ Ron Kampeas (December 15, 2023). "GOP picks Ethiopian-born Israeli-American to run for seat of expelled NY Rep. Santosl; Nassau County legislator and former IDF paratrooper Mazi Pilip to face off against Democratic former congressman Tom Suozzi in February 13 special election". The Times of Israel.
- ↑ Eidler, Scott (January 1, 2024). "Mazi Melesa Pilip, GOP's pick to replace George Santos, has had quiet, brief tenure in Nassau Legislature". Newsday.
- ↑ Sheeline, Will (December 22, 2023). "House of Representative candidate Mazi Melesa Pilip 'leads by example'". Herald Community Newspapers.
- ↑ Ngo, Emily (December 15, 2023). "Support for Israel at heart of crucial New York special election". POLITICO. Retrieved December 20, 2023.
- ↑ "Israel has 'an obligation' to protect their people: Mazi Melesa Pilip | Fox Business Video". Fox Business. October 31, 2023. Retrieved December 20, 2023.
- ↑ "5 things to know about Mazi Pilip". City & State NY. December 14, 2023.
- ↑ Maegan Vazquez and Azi Paybarah (December 15, 2023) "GOP-backed Pilip to face ex-congressman Suozzi to replace Santos in special election; The Feb. 13 race in New York is expected to be competitive and could be a bellwether for control of the House in 2024," The Washington Post.
- ↑ Justic, Michele (December 17, 2023). "Endorsements Roll In For Hopeful Santos Replacement Mazi Melesa Pilip". The 5 Towns Jewish Times.
- ↑ Edelson, Daniel; York, New (December 20, 2023). "An IDF veteran could be the first Israeli in the US House of Representatives". Ynetnews. Retrieved January 11, 2024.
- ↑ Kassel, Matthew (December 19, 2023). "Mazi Melesa Pilip discusses her policy platform in pivotal special election". Jewish Insider. Retrieved December 20, 2023.
- ↑ Ngo, Emily (December 15, 2023). "Support for Israel at heart of crucial New York special election". POLITICO.
- ↑ Sophie Krichevsky (December 21, 2023). "GOP selects Pilip for special election". Queens Chronicle.